IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL.

The trio of friends who founded Kung Fu Tea nearly a decade ago did so after a disappointing experience at a bubble tea shop in NYC. They'd just come back from a trip to Taiwan, where they enjoyed the authentic treat on a regular basis, and were dismayed by the poor imitation they found at the cafe in Queens. So the buddies decided to do something about it. They opened Kung Fu Tea in New York, and since have expanded to include more than 150 locations across three countires—including a branch that opened three months ago in Bethesda.

Come to Kung Fu Tea to experience what authentic bubble tea really tastes like. The cafe promises a variety of classic iced teas, boba-infused milk teas, and jelly-topped punches and specialty drinks. If you're looking for a light and refreshing sip, order the strawberry lemonade, a frosty ombré concoction flecked with the sweet jelly. If you want something more decadent, order a classic milk tea speckled with tapioca bubbles and crushed Oreos. Kung Fu also offers tea-infused slush and other unique options, so you might want to make repeat visits to experience the different beverages.

Politics & Prose serves as more than just a bookstore. The local business draws crowds for its author signings, writing classes, and other special events. So whether you're a bookworm who wants to meet your favorite author or a budding wordsmith yourself, Politics & Prose has something to tempt you.

The bookstore's schedule is jam-packed with events every day of the week. Coming up this summer, you can meet Michelle Smith, author of The Whole Smiths Good Food Cookbook. She penned a cookbook that specifically accommodates anyone adhering to the Whole30, and she's coming to Politics & Prose to talk about her recipes and writing methods. Want to learn how to design a compelling plot, explore the poetry of W.B. Yeats and other Irish artists, or delve into French culture? These are just a few of the subjects at classes coming up this summer at Politics & Prose.